If you come to Canada for high school, you’ll be joining a truly global classroom. In 2023, almost 132,000 international students joined Canadian K-12 classes. Whether you stay for a semester, a year, or all of your secondary studies, there are Canadian schools which suit your goals. Here are nine common questions (and answers) about going to high school in Canada.
Canada was among the top five countries in the world for education in 2024. Students can expect consistent, high-quality education. High school teachers are specialists in their fields, meaning they have in-depth knowledge of the subjects they teach.
In addition to experienced teachers, in-school guidance counsellors can help you figure out your next steps after graduation or share supportive resources if you’re struggling in class.
Internationally Recognized Credentials
Canadian high school diplomas are recognized by post-secondary institutions worldwide. Many secondary schools also offer accelerated studies which can help you stand out, like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs.
Modern Classrooms
It’s key for students to develop technological literacy as they prepare for their future careers. Canada’s government-funded public education system provides many of its students with access to current classroom technology. This may include tablets, interactive whiteboards, and tech labs.
Education in Canada is managed by the province or territory the school is in. So, depending on where you go, high school might start in grade 8 (ages 12 to 14), 9 (ages 13 to 15), or 10 (ages 14 to 16).
In Quebec, high school runs from grades 7 to 11. Students in Quebec may apply to colleges with their grade 11 diploma, but must complete a two-year Diplôme d’études collégiales (Diploma of College Studies) at a Collège d’enseignement general et professionel (CEGEP) in order to enrol at a university.
School years in Canada usually run from September to June. Most schools have two terms: one from September to January and the other from February to June.
3. Is High School in Canada Free?
Public high schools in Canada are free for Canadian residents, but as an international student, you’ll have to pay a yearly tuition fee. As of 2025, tuition ranged from C$10,000 to C$17,000 per year. Private and independent high schools set their own tuition fees, so ask the schools you’re interested in for details.
Most students are also responsible for providing their lunches and any school materials, like pens, notebooks, or athletic shoes for gym class. Some schools will loan students computers for classroom use. Learning materials like textbooks are usually borrowed from the school, too.
4. What Is the Canadian High School Admission Process for International Students?
To apply to study at a Canadian high school, you’ll need to have finished a sufficient amount of school that is equal to earlier grade levels in Canada. Additionally, you’ll need to provide school transcripts or report cards which prove how much schooling you’ve completed.
You’ll also need an intermediate to high level of English or French. While study program applications can sometimes be submitted without language test results, you might need to complete one after receiving your letter of acceptance. Depending on your results, you may need to take English as a Second/Additional Language classes (ESL/EAL).
To get started, contact the school board which oversees the school you’d like to attend. They can support your application and help place you in the right class.
Canadian high schools have relevant, engaging curriculums with a wide variety of classes. Along with a good foundation in STEAM subjects, you’ll learn to thoughtfully address current global issues, develop your critical thinking skills, and prepare for your career. In most provinces or territories, you can take classes in English or French. Some public school boards also have schools which include religion in their curriculum.
To earn your high school diploma, you’ll have to take a set number of credits in core subjects like math, science, and English or French. You can also take elective classes like languages, philosophy, business studies, drama, or music.
6. Can International High School Students Work in Canada?
Some schools may have co-op or work experience programs built into their curriculum which may be exempt from this rule, so check with your school to see if you’re eligible. Or, if you’re interested in volunteering, ask your school what kinds of volunteering you can do.
7. How Is High School in Canada Different From the United States?
The Canadian high school system has many similarities to the American high school system. However, there are some differences like how the school curriculum is designed and structured, as well as varied emphasis on extracurriculars.
In Canada, each province and territory has a list of educational standards for teaching. How teachers teach and when they teach specific parts of the curriculum varies, but the standards must be met. While the US system has a Common Core of standards for each grade level, not every state has adopted it.
Both countries’ schooling is designed to prepare students for post-secondary study in their country. American high schools help their students prepare for the SAT exams, but you won’t see this in Canada because Canadian universities don’t require SAT scores.
You’ll also hear different academic language in Canada. For example, American schools use terms like “freshman,” “sophomore,” “junior,” and “senior” to describe various grade levels. Meanwhile, Canadian high schools commonly refer to grades by their number. So, a “junior student” in the US is a “grade 11 student” in Canada.
There is also less emphasis on sports in Canadian high schools. That said, many Canadian students still participate in recreational-level sports leagues or school sports teams.
8. What Does Having a Canadian High School Education Mean for My Post-secondary Studies?
Having a Canadian high school diploma can streamline your application to study at a Canadian post-secondary institution. This is because Canadian colleges and universities can more easily evaluate a student’s learning based on the quality of Canada’s education system.
If you want to apply to study in the US, Canadian high school credentials generally transfer well. And, if you take advanced classes at the AP or IB level and receive eligible grades, you might even be able to skip some first-year post-secondary classes. If you’re thinking of going to high school in Canada and then college or university in the US, local SAT and ACT prep courses and SAT/ACT test centres can help you get ready.
An advanced diploma, like an IB diploma, may also enable you to start degree-level studies in countries like Germany and the UK directly, instead of taking a foundation year first.
9. Where Can International High School Students Live in Canada?
Canadian high schools will usually arrange for students to live with a host family near the school through organizations like the Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I). In general, homestays provide housing and food. You’ll have a private bedroom, three meals a day (and snacks), and space to get your homework done. Homestay can also be a great way for you to learn about the local culture and practice your English or French in a casual setting.
